Delegation checks out ground details with Ethiopian stakeholders about Dubai trade mission's visit scheduled for the coming year
Dubai, UAE: A Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation recently visited the capital city of Addis Ababa to meet and co-ordinate the logistics of a Dubai trade mission to the country with their African counterparts.
Led by Mr Hassan Al Hashemi, Director, External Relations, Dubai Chamber, the delegation held a series of meetings with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, Ethiopia Investment Agency, Ernst & Young and also made a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Yousef Eisa Al Sabri, UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia, and briefed him about Dubai Chamber's plans about the upcoming mission.
The delegation apprised His Excellency with the details of the trade mission scheduled for a 2012 run in light of the excellent investment opportunities available between Dubai and Ethiopia and to promote the Emirate as a leading trading hub in the region.
The UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia assured all possible help to the Dubai delegation and also emphasised on the investment opportunities offered by the African country's agro business and meat processing sectors as well as tourism and horticulture. His Excellency also highlighted the UAE Embassy's efforts in supporting the Arab Union Summit which, with trade as its theme, is being held in January 2012 in Addis Ababa. This event, he said, will help further consolidate the trade ties between the UAE and the African continent.
On his part, Mr Al Hashemi appreciated the assistance offered by the UAE Embassy in further strengthening trade ties between the two trading partners and stressed on the role of Dubai Chamber in supporting the development of business in Dubai while boosting the competitiveness of its businesses in new and lucrative markets of the world.
Mr Aby Woldemeskel, Director General, Ethiopia Investment Agency, informed Mr Al Hashemi that the Ethiopian Government has made commendable efforts, through legislative and procedural reforms, to attract foreign direct investment to the country by offering investment incentives including the exemption of customs duty on imports and income tax.
Pointing out at some of the lucrative investment areas, Mr Woldemeskel said that hospitality, tourism, healthcare, education, construction and agro business are most compatible sectors for Dubai businesses.
Mr Al Hashemi also met Mr Getachew Regassa, Secretary General of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce who assured him of all help to make the trade mission a very successful one and in line with its objectives of gaining an understanding of Ethiopia's investment environment, polices and business opportunities.
After visiting various sites of economic importance, Mr Al Hashemi said that the delegation has determined the sectors of synergy for both sides and has earmarked beneficial sectors for Dubai's business community. The pre-mission visit achieved its purpose of knowing the areas of interest in line with Dubai Chamber's initiative of exploring new and emerging markets for its members, he added.
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Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.
© Press Release 2011
